Previous
Birch Aquarium at Scripps (Visit this link)
Top 10 Reasons to Visit:
10) Full Moon Pier Walk
We have some special nights in store for you! Learn about the history and scientific uses of Scripps Research Pier on a guided tour along its platform. Though this La Jolla landmark is usually closed to the public for oceanographic research, we will walk the length of the pier under the full moon and take water samples, collect plankton, observe sea conditions, and explore the nocturnal habits of marine life. Full Moon Pier Walks are offered seasonally. Please check the calendar for dates and times and join us!
9) Simulator Ride
A disccovery in motion exhibit, riders are treated to three-minute adventures with surround-sound and computer-generated visuals. You are a water drop in the cycle of life within earth's vast water system or a dolphin leaping over waves and gliding through the water. Films change seasonally and are $4 per person—ask about group and member rates. Dare to be transported to worlds unimaginable!
8) Family Days
On the third Saturday of each month from 11am-3pm, bring your family to enjoy arts and crafts, science, special tours, and one-of-a-kind activities at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Explore the mysteries of the ocean as you dive into some cool projects you and your kids will enjoy doing together. All Family Days activities are FREE with admission and feature a new theme each month,
7) Coral Reefs
Tiny coral polyps-close relatives of the anemone-build coral reefs by producing limestone skeletons. Coral reefs are alive and require clear water so that sunlight can penetrate for optimum growth. Corals are found worldwide in waters where constant temperatures are 70 to 86 degrees. Birch Aquarium at Scripps raises its own corals, a delicate and intensive process, but worth every effort. You'll agree when you peek into the brilliant underwater reef community. You'll see fishes and living corals with clever names like maze coral, great star coral, and red tree sponge. Relive your tropical vacation and see the aquarium's living coral displays.
6) Tide-Pool Plaza Discovery Center
Tide pools exist in the rocky basins at the ocean's edge and are home to many hearty animals who survive tremendous changes in moisture, temperature, and salinity. These pools are exposed and hidden as the tides cycle between low and high, approximately every six hours. Our outdoor tide-pool plaza is a great place to view these animals in their natural environment. The tide-pool Discovery Center offers opportunities to touch tide-pool animals. Aquarium naturalists are on-hand to answer questions and educate visitors about this unique habitat and the marine life that calls it home.
5) Sharks
From sleek cruisers of tropical reefs to local leopard sharks lurking in the giant kelp forest tank, we've got sharks! Sharks are amazing survivors among the many fish in the sea. Sharks are the most feared and admired predators of the sea; the subject of a complex, human fascination for the 370 species that exist worldwide. The aquarium's species of sharks include swell, nurse, leopard, horn, shovelnose guitarfish, angel, whitetip reef, blacktip reef, and wobbegongs.
4) Public Programs
From kayaking and whale watching to monthly oceanographic discovery presentations, Birch Aquarium's public programs offer a range of opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about our ocean environment. Some highlights of our public programs include snorkeling in La Jolla Cove, seaside stories for the little ones, and fish and nature printing. There's much more! For a complete listing and for more information, visit our events calendar online.
3) Scripps Explorers Gallery
The aquarium’s newly-designed museum features rotating gallery exhibitions based upon cutting-edge research by Scripps Institution of Oceanography explorers. Learn the latest in ocean, earth and climate science through the gallery’s fun, interactive and educational displays and explore why these discoveries are relevant to you.
2) Dive Shows
Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 pm; Sundays 10:30 am
Watch as Scripps divers take the plunge into the aquarium's 70,000-gallon kelp forest tank in a half-hour show about La Jolla's kelp forest habitat. You'll learn about "underwater" San Diego as divers spotlight the creatures within--from lurking leopard sharks to suspicious sting rays. They'l also discuss the health and beauty of San Diego's amazing "amber forests" offshore. The kelp forest habitat comes alive when the divers descend, feeding the fishes and answering your questions about the oceans.
1) The View
Located on a coastal bluff overlooking La Jolla Shores beach and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is renowned for its ocean views, both inside and out. Visitors from around the world marvel at the dazzling marine life exhibits, from sharks to seahorses to corals. Make a visit to Birch Aquarium at Scripps soon and enjoy San Diego's "best ocean views."
http://www.aquarium.ucsd.edu